Your NKU username and password are the keys to accessing most of NKU's systems including email, Canvas, and myNKU.
In this Article
How to change your password
Passwords expire every 90 days for your protection. You will receive notifications via email when your password is about to expire.
You can reset your password online at any time. It is recommended that you add a phone number or personal email address to your account so that if your access does expire, a verification code can be sent via text or email allowing you to reset your password 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To add your information , visit the password reset website, then select "Edit Recovery Data."
Password Requirements
NKU passwords must meet the following criteria:
- 8-16 characters long
- Must contain at least three of the following: uppercase letter, lowercase letter, number, special character (~!@#$%^&*)
- Passwords cannot include your username or any part of your name
- Passwords can't be reused
Password Security
Effective password management is crucial for both the security of the user and NKU. It is important to keep your password private and change it on a regular basis. Password encroachment technology is becoming increasingly sophisticated, and everyone can be vulnerable to this sort of crime. If you suspect your password has been compromised, change it immediately.
All accounts, passwords, and other types of authorization (NKU keys, access cards, etc.) are the responsibility of the user and are not to be disclosed to others. If another person needs access to computers, systems and applications which are property of NKU, they must follow the proper procedures to acquire their own admittance.
When an employee leaves the university or transfers to another department, HR and IT must be notified immediately in order to protect NKU systems or data. Upon notification, the employee’s accounts will be disabled in accordance with IT protocol.
Never share your password through email or other forms of electronic communication. NKU will never ask for your password. NKU or any other legitimate business will never request this type of confidential information through electronic means. If you receive an email asking for your NKU password or personal information, do not respond, and forward the email to abuse@nku.edu.
Password Tips
- Never give your password to anyone including co-workers, family, etc.
- Never write your password down.
- Never give your password to service or support personnel.
- Northern Kentucky University personnel are not authorized to ask for password information and any such request is fraudulent.
- If someone contacts you and asks you for your password on behalf of Northern Kentucky University, please contact the IT Help Desk so we can investigate.
- There may be circumstances where your user name may be verified.
- Do not use the "Remember Password" feature of applications or web browsers.
- Do not store passwords in a file on ANY computer system without encryption.
Password Selection Tips
- Make sure the password is something you will remember without the need to write it.
- Do not use family, pet names, or personal information.
- You should include a variety of characters: upper case, lower case, special and numeric.
- When changing your password try to make a complete change.